Minooka native completes nuclear power training

Published: Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014 5:30 a.m. CST

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew T. Higgenbotham, a Minooka Community High School graduate, graduated from the U.S. Navy’s Enlisted Nuclear Power School at Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, Goose Creek, S.C.

Nuclear Power School is a rigorous six-month course that trains officers and enlisted students in the science and engineering fundamental to the design, operation, and maintenance of naval nuclear propulsion plants.

Graduates next undergo additional instruction at a prototype training unit before serving as an electronics technician, machinist’s mate, or electrician’s mate aboard a nuclear-powered submarine or surface warfare ship.

Higgenbotham has served in the military for one year. He is the son of Colleen Higgenbotham of Minooka.